Upper School

History Day Success

April 25, 2024

History Congratulations to tenth graders Nom-Ujin Byambatsogt and Cosmo Vanzyl, who participated in the annual History Day state competition over the weekend! Out of hundreds of submissions, Cosmo received fourth place and Nom-Ujin received seventh! Picking a different theme each year, this edition of History Day settled on “Turning Points in History,” where students nationwide select a topic to research. Following the decision on the subject, students entering the event must pick different formats, including a 1500-2500-word research paper, a 500-word exhibit, a 10-minute documentary, a website, or a 10-minute performance.

“I have all my tenth-grade students write the research paper in the fall, and they have the option of whether or not they want to participate in the History Day competition,” said Summer McCall, teacher and longtime supporter of the event.

Deciding to enter and advancing to state on April 20, Cosmo and Nom-Ujin were interviewed by four judges about each of their papers before hearing about their top-10 placements. Despite barely missing out on trips to nationals, with only the top two moving on, McCall had some encouraging words for what Cosmo and Nom-Ujin had accomplished.

“The organizers at History Day said the kids competing at the competition represented the top six percent of the competitors in the state,” McCall said. “Super cool and so fun to represent our school in that way.”

State Champions!

April 25, 2024

Speech Tanner Sunderman, coach of the Mounds Park Academy speech team, may have gotten a peek behind the curtain at what the competition thinks of the school’s ability.

“I had a Mounds Park competitor in my round… those kids are machines,” Tanner overheard.

The comment did not come without warrant as the machine marched on with the Panthers claiming another speech team title, defending its championship from 2023 during the Class A state competition this weekend in Shakopee. The championship was the third in the team’s last four years. With 53 team points in the event to edge out Melrose Area, MPA now owns the top three spots for the highest team total in Class A history. MPA also now sits third all-time in Minnesota history with 49 total state individual champions, behind Apple Valley and Eagan, and fifth overall with 203 state medalists. Of every team in the state, MPA qualified more students than anyone else, with 21. Nine of those students advanced to the final round, and six others finished in ninth place or were tie-broken from the final round.

The state champions from MPA were Paul Fertig (Extemporaneous Speaking) and Pahwa Yang (Prose). Pahwa successfully defended her individual title and scored straight 1s (perfect scores) in the final round. Runner-ups include Akshay Somayajula (second, Great Speeches), Zainab Lodhi (second, Informative), and Annika Binstadt (second, Poetry). Nico Bergh (Humorous), Rowan Mulrooney (Informative), Zoya Nayak (Oratory), Nabila Artan (Oratory), Lucy Mayer (Poetry), and Maggie Banks (Storytelling) all finished in ninth place or were tie-broken from the final round. Finalists include Ash Klann (sixth, Oratory), Mina Kim (sixth, Great Speeches), Greta Hanson (fifth, Prose), Amal Sastry (third, Extemporaneous Speaking). Pahwa and Akshay earned their third medal overall, Greta and Amal earned their second, and Ash, Mina, Zainab, and Annika earned their first.

The MPA machine now moves on to their final two tournaments of the year: The NIETOC National Tournament in Bellevue, Nebraska, in May and the NSDA National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, in June.

Summer Strength Opportunities

April 18, 2024

Ready to boost your child’s fitness and skills this summer? Look no further than our Panther Speed and Strength Programs and Fitness Foundations, all guided by the expertise of MPA Strength Coach Sean Ryther!

Panther Speed and Strength Programs
Want your child to excel in sports or simply enhance their physical abilities? Our 7-week sessions, running from June 11 to August 1, are designed for incoming grade 9-12 students (Session 1) and incoming grades 6-8 students (Session 2). Held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, these programs focus on agility, speed, endurance, and strength development. Led by Coach Ryther, they provide a supportive and dynamic environment where your child can improve their performance, boost their confidence, and foster a lifelong love for fitness.

Fitness Foundations Program
Building a solid fitness foundation is crucial for long-term health. Our 7-week session, also from June 11 to August 1, is tailored for incoming grade 3-5 students. Held on Tuesday and Thursday, this program introduces fundamental movement skills, enhances coordination, and promotes an active lifestyle. Under Coach Ryther’s guidance, your child will engage in fun and age-appropriate activities, setting them on the path to a healthier, happier life. Register here!

See photos from last year here!

Let’s champion the next generation of healthy, active Panthers together! #PantherPride #MPAStrong #YouthFitness

Support MPA From Home This Weekend

April 18, 2024

While we wish everyone could join us for the MPA Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains event this year, we’re happy that every supporter can join in from afar!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have nearly 200 auction packages for you to bid on and win, even if you can’t join us in person. The silent auction opened earlier this week and will remain open until Saturday, April 20, at noon. Check out our “buy it now” option on some of our most popular packages.

  1. Visit the Silent Auction Page.
  2. Click Login/Register. Create a new account if you have yet to be a part of our auction in the past or log in if you have!
  3. Save, bid, and win amazing items, all while supporting MPA students and teachers.

Learn more about this year’s auction, including purchasing one of our Golden Tickets, which will be drawn on Friday night. You could be the winner of the live auction package of your choice. You don’t need to be present to win!

For questions, contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.

Upper School Division News April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, April 19: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, April 19: Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
  • Friday, April 19: MS/US Grade 5-12 Speedracer Video Tournament, 3-5 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, April 19: Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club, bid from home >
  • Wednesday, April 24: Spring Musical Preview Performance, 1:35-3 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Wednesday, April 24: HeadSpace “Inspiring Global Responsibility,” 3:15-4:15 PM, Library
  • Thursday, April 25: LS/US Haiti Cultural Celebration, 1-3 PM, Family Commons, Gallery
  • Friday, April 26: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, April 26: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Saturday, April 27: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Sunday, April 28: Spring Musical Performance, 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Friday, May 3: US Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
  • Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
  • Friday, May 3: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM, volunteer >
  • Saturday, May 4: Grades 10-12 Prom, 8-11 PM, Off Campus
  • Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
  • Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1 PM, MPA Campus
  • Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
  • Tuesday, June 4: Early Release, 10:30 AM

Springtime brings a wave of positive energy as students shed their winter clothing (let’s be honest, they don’t wear winter coats, only a heavier hoodie sweatshirt) and embrace the longer and warmer days of sunshine, spending time in the outdoor spaces that become bustling hubs of activity. The Journal of Environmental Psychology shares, “Spending time outdoors during the spring can enhance cognitive function and reduce stress levels among adolescents, thus contributing to better academic performance.” Basically, they are saying that being outside and experiencing exposure to natural light can positively impact one’s mood and productivity. I couldn’t agree more!

This past week, I was able to step away at a “reasonable time” to watch two MPA baseball games, admire the high jump skills of members of the track team, and witness a third set, tie-break victory for our boys tennis team. I also saw members of the Upper School gearing up to work on the science garden where they, once it awakens, will prepare it for the summer months of growing. A member of the English department starts several of their classes with a mindfulness activity that late last week included a nature walk to center students for their class discussion. Read More

Parent Engagement Strengthens Our School Community

April 17, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Spring is a season of renewal, a time when both nature and our school community come alive with energy and activity. At MPA, spring is particularly vibrant, filled with concerts, performances, games, meetings, celebrations, and cherished traditions like the Moving Up Ceremony, the Senior Walk, and the First Grade Poetry Picnic.

As we embark on this busy season, I want to ensure that all parents and guardians are fully informed and engaged. You can expect to receive invitations to a variety of special events and gatherings in the coming weeks. I encourage you to stay connected by regularly reading Panther Post and the division news linked from it and keeping an eye on your email for important updates and announcements. We are committed to communicating with you in a timely and effective manner and we hope that’s helpful—especially during seasons like this.

While I understand that everyone leads busy lives, we believe that parent engagement is vital to the success of our school community. Your participation in events and activities enriches the educational experience for your child and strengthens our overall community. I value your input and involvement and want to make it as easy as possible for you to participate in the ways that work best for you.

Here are a few upcoming events where I hope to see you …

Connect With MPA’s Incoming Middle School Director
I am excited to welcome Paul Errickson, our incoming Middle School director, to MPA May 2-3. Paul will be meeting with teachers, students, and administrators during his visit. Parents are invited to join Paul for coffee on Friday, May 3 at 8:15 AM in the Library. He will also be in attendance at the transition meetings, dinner, and concert the evening of May 2.  Read More

Global Responsibility: A Pathway to a Connected Future

April 11, 2024

Heads Message from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Over spring break, I traveled to South Korea and China to meet with parents, students, teachers, and educators in both countries. The trip’s purpose was to further enhance our school’s commitment to global responsibility and awareness. I first traveled to South Korea with Cory Becker-Kim, MPA’s international student program coordinator, to establish a stronger presence in the Korean educational marketplace and introduce MPA to interested students and parents. Our goal there was to showcase the unique approach to education that defines MPA: a holistic, experiential, liberal arts education that nurtures the whole child.

In China, I had the privilege of visiting eight schools and one university and met with a number of school leaders and educational officials. Throughout my visit, I enjoyed engaging in profound discussions about the future of education and the importance of global citizenship. I was struck by the genuine interest in our educational approach, particularly our focus on fostering global responsibility and citizenship.

Global responsibility is a key anchor of our school’s mission statement. It is also part of the first priority of 2024ward, our strategic plan: “Empowering students to live, learn, and thrive in today’s complex, global society.” This commitment is rooted in our belief that we must prepare our students for the world that awaits them—a world that demands global thinking, effective communication, and responsible contributions.

Read More

MPA Artists Receive 26 MSAA Awards

April 11, 2024

The Art Department is thrilled to share the list of students honored in the 2024 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards:

  • Zephyr Bulera ’24, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Ziibi”
  • Clara Deneault ’25, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Fragmented Still Life”
  • Arlo Dickson ’26, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Kaleidoscope”
  • Leo Eakin ’24, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Manhattan Bridge”
  • Paul Fertig ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Poisoning Mother Nature”
  • Grace K. ’27, Painting, Gold Key, “Untitled”
  • Aixa Kellermann ’24, Digital Art, Honorable Mention, “Coyotes Are Invading New York!”
  • Aixa Kellermann ’24, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Great Blue Heron”
  • Aixa Kellermann ’24, Mixed Media, Gold Key, “Watcher”
  • Nicole Kim ’26, Fashion, Gold Key, “Dress with Red, Blue, and Yellow”
  • Nicole Kim ’26, Fashion, Silver Key, “The Color of the Earth”
  • Ash Klann, ’26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Actuality”
  • Ash Klann ’26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Mechanized”
  • Ellie L. ’27, Drawing, Silver Key, “Shading Practice”
  • Ellie L. ’27, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Autumn Feast”
  • Lilly Liao ’26, Drawing, Silver Key, “Charcoal Drapery”
  • Elena M-S. ’27, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Still Life in Yellow”
  • Elena M-S. ’27, Painting, Silver Key, “Winter Scene”
  • Elena M-S. ’27, Photography, Gold Key, “Anni”
  • Lia Sonka ’24, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Lotus and Lily”
  • Lia Sonka ’24, Ceramics, Silver Key, “Cacti”
  • Lia Sonka ’24, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Wildflowers on Repeat”
  • Yuhan Zou ’25, Drawing, Silver Key, “Duomo di Milano”
  • Yuhan Zou ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “White Bird”
  • Yuhan Zou ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Pieta”
  • Yuhan Zou ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Breathe”

The Scholastic Art Awards is a highly competitive, nationally recognized competition for students ages 13-18. Gold Key awards will go on to competition at the national level.
The list of awards represents a variety of mediums, styles, and techniques, as well as countless hours of work over the course of years of skill development. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these artists! See an album of their award-winning work here.

 

Community Meets Experiential Learning

April 11, 2024

Upper school student working with lower school student on STEM projectThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the April 11, 2024 issue of InsideMPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Earlier this week, we celebrated the solar eclipse with a day of cross-divisional activities, STEM education, and a community-wide viewing. Upper School students transformed the Family Commons into a space laboratory and spent the morning leading Lower School students through experiential activities that explained the science behind the eclipse and why it was such a phenomenon. Students rotated from station to station where they were taught the physics of the eclipse, experimented with black lights and photons, demonstrated the movements of planets, and practiced safe viewing with their eclipse glasses. They were over the moon, pun intended, to learn from their older peers who engaged with them in a way that defines our PreK-12 school.

The sense of community here not only creates a safe, inclusive environment for our students and their families–it extends to supporting lifelong learners on their journey of a joyful education. The laughter echoing through the Family Commons was heard throughout the school, and the look of pure awe on our littlest Panthers’ faces was not just for the phenomenon in the sky; they were looking up at the leaders of the student body, and at their own future at MPA. One day, perhaps for the next eclipse years from now, they will be the Upper School students leading the way and providing new Lower Schoolers with these memorable moments at school.

Even though we couldn’t see the eclipse through cloudy skies, what we did see was a PreK-12 community, gathered in joyful excitement to learn and be together.

Speech Team Wins Section Title To Return To State

April 10, 2024

MPA SpeechAfter winning the Minnesota State High School League’s Class A title last year, the Mounds Park Academy speech team put itself in a position to repeat by taking the Section 4A title on Saturday at St. Croix Lutheran Academy, sealing another berth to state for the Panthers. Eight students won their respective events, helping key the trip back to the state tournament, which will be held on Friday, April 19, at Shakopee High School. Congratulations to the following students for taking the top spots to punch their tickets to state:

  • Paul Fertig ’25 – Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Akshay Somayajula ’24 – Great Speeches
  • Guy Schwieger ‘26 – Humorous Interpretation
  • Zainab Lodhi ’25 – Informative Speaking
  • Ash Klann ‘26 – Original Oratory
  • Annika Binstadt ’25 – Poetry Reading
  • Andrea Pugh ’26 – Prose Reading
  • Maggie Banks ‘24 Storytelling

Sean Holland ‘25, Amila Avdic ‘27, Amal Sastry ‘25, Mari Minear ‘25, Mina Kim ‘26, Nico Bergh ‘27, Rowan Mulrooney ‘25, Oslo Norcross ‘27, Zoya Nayak ‘25, Nabila Artan ‘26, Lucy Mayer ‘27, Pahwa Yang ‘24, and Greta Hanson ’24 will join the eight, having all placed in the top three in their fields to represent MPA at the state competition. Just missing out on state berths had Jake Wyant ‘27, Warner Reid ’26, Sidd Sastry ‘27, Victoria Lin ‘27, and Soumya Raman ‘24, who all still earned placements during the section tournament.

Following the state tournament, some action still remains for the Panthers on deck. In May, the team will travel to Nebraska to compete at the NIETOC National Tournament. Those participants had to qualify throughout the season and include the following:

Maggie Banks, Nico Bergh, Kelvyn Boddipalli, Paul Fertig, Greta Hanson, Mina Kim, Ash Klann, Hannabella Li, Zainab Lodhi, Mari Minear, Rowan Mulrooney, Zoya Nayak, Oslo Norcross, Andrea Pugh, Amal Sastry, Sidd Sastry, Guy Schwieger, Akshay Somayajula and Pahwa Yang.